Students Who Come Across as Rude, Insensitive, or Offensive
Possible Reason Due to ASD:
People with ASD have difficulty with taking the perspective of others. They tend to be more center focused and have trouble imagining that others do not know the exact information they know. Their logic can sometimes be, “If I know it, then everyone should also,” or, “If I feel this way about a topic, everyone does as well.” In addition, many students with autism are very good at telling the truth. Sometimes stating facts, such as a person being overweight, can prove to be offensive or rude to some. Similarly, many with ASD do not have a working knowledge of what are considered topics that are appropriate and not appropriate. This can often result in misunderstandings. Lastly, some students may not feel compelled to respond to others’ greetings and bids for attention and will simply not respond.
Possible Reason Due to ASD:
People with ASD have difficulty with taking the perspective of others. They tend to be more center focused and have trouble imagining that others do not know the exact information they know. Their logic can sometimes be, “If I know it, then everyone should also,” or, “If I feel this way about a topic, everyone does as well.” In addition, many students with autism are very good at telling the truth. Sometimes stating facts, such as a person being overweight, can prove to be offensive or rude to some. Similarly, many with ASD do not have a working knowledge of what are considered topics that are appropriate and not appropriate. This can often result in misunderstandings. Lastly, some students may not feel compelled to respond to others’ greetings and bids for attention and will simply not respond.
- Have the student make a T-chart. Label one side “OK Topics” and “Not OK Topics.” If a student brings up an inappropriate topic, inform him that it is not appropriate and have him document it on his chart. Also, give the student an example of a topic that is OK to talk about to put on his chart as well.
- Following a poor exchange that you have observed, do a “social autopsy” in which you reevaluate the situation and discuss what happened, why it didn’t work, and what can be done in the future.
- Model and teach appropriate ways to greet and respond to greetings.
- Explain why the student offended you or a classmate. Sometimes students with ASD need someone to explicitly point out what they did wrong so that they can learn from their interactions with others.
- Speak with the speech therapist or school counselor to see if there are any social skills groups that your student may join to develop his social interaction skills and understanding.
- Speech therapists can be of help to provide you with resources and ideas of how to integrate social interaction skills into your classroom routine.